re: Thoughts on a Highlander Hybrid AWD

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I don't think you understand how a hybrid works. You don't switch it to "electric stealth mode" when you want. It runs on EV power until the battery level drops to a certain point, or there is enough load that the IC engine is required. The vehicle control systems determine when the IC engine runs, not the driver.


Under normal circumstances yes. I’ve gotten several rental Prius that you can command in to electric only mode as long as there’s battery power. Obviously if the battery is below a certain threshold it won’t do that.

ETA: this is what I want
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EV Mode EV (short for Electric Vehicle) mode is only available in hybrid vehicles and is much more particular in its uses than other driving modes. If a vehicle is running in EV mode, the vehicle is only pulling power from its battery. This results in the potential for very efficient driving, but it also means the vehicle in question doesn’t have access to as much power as it normally would. That’s why EV mode typically works for just up to one mile and is only applicable under certain conditions at very low driving speeds. Due to these restrictions, it’s best to reserve EV mode for driving extremely short distances that don’t require much speed such as moving a vehicle out of a garage or driving in a parking lot. Drivers need to be especially careful when utilizing EV mode because it can make vehicles practically silent. This means pedestrians, bikers, and other vehicles may not hear an approaching vehicle while it’s in EV mode. Therefore, it’s paramount that you pay close attention to your surroundings when using this feature.

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